Newsmakers

Hired Former Washington State quarterback Jason Gesser has been hired as head football coach at Seattle’s Eastside Catholic High School, the Seattle Times reported. This is the first head-coaching position for Gesser, 29. Gesser will continue working for FSN as a college football analyst.

Suspended The Indy Racing League suspended driver Sean Guthrie and his father, car owner Jim Guthrie indefinitely, for disregarding directions by officials during a Firestone Indy Lights race last week in Kansas.

Named Carroll College assistant men’s basketball coach Brandon Veltri was named the head coach of the Saints, athletics director Bruce Parker announced. Veltri, 30, replaces Gary Turcott, who recently announced his retirement after 19 years as head coach. On trial Former NFL running back Lawrence Phillips will go to trial on charges that he attacked his girlfriend in 2005. A San Diego judge ruled Wednesday that the 33-year-old Phillips must stand trial on eight felony charges for two alleged assaults.

Acquired The New England Patriots have obtained tight end Alex Smith from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Patriots gave up an undisclosed pick in next year’s NFL draft for the four-year veteran.

Retired United States pairs skater Derek Trent has retired, ending his partnership with Tiffany Vise. The couple competed together for six years and was the first to land a throw quadruple salchow in international competition, at the 2007 TrophDee Eric Bompard, finishing fourth in the event.